Sprouting is the process of germinating nuts, seeds, grains and legumes. why sprout? Accessible nutrient content increases dramatically- by a factor of 10! Sprouting creates vitamin C as well as a host of B vitamins (2, 5 & 6), and most importantly, neutralizes phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors. Neutralizing phytic acid creates nutrients and getting rid of the enzyme inhibitors makes the nutrients available for absorption and easy digestion. Why are these compounds present in seeds and nuts? This is natures technique for continuing the life of the plants (the seeds & nuts hope to survive the digestive tract and grow again once they are passed). Why does everyone eat un-sprouted seeds and nuts? They dont know any better. Sprouting seeds, nuts and legumes is something our ancestors did for a long, long time (10,000 years?). Its an amazing example of soft technology that has served us well through the ages.
p.s. dont worry, its easy.
Sprouting is a multiple step process. You’ll need fresh, filtered water, a quart size mason jar and either a mesh screen or a sprouting lid (found in health food stores & online) as well as fresh organic raw nuts and seeds. Important note: often we will bypass bulk bins unless we are familiar with the frequency with which they are refilled, as both nuts and seeds have a tendency towards rancidity (oxidization) when stored for too long. No big deal, but figure this one out. Talk to the people who fill those bins.
The basic process: fill a quart mason jar 1/3 full with your chosen seed/nut/pulse, cap with a mesh sprouting lid, fill with water, rinse and drain 2-3 times then fill with water and let soak for specified amount of time. After soaking, rinse and drain 2-3 times again and prop jar at an angle so water can continue to drain while air circulates inside the jar (keep away from direct light and extreme temps). Depending on what you're sprouting, do the rinse/drain process at least 2-3 times a day until sprouts are ready.
sunflower seeds, hulled: follow basic process, soak time is 4-8 hours, sprout time is 4-6 hours and sprouts are ready for your sunflower seed pate. use asap... seeds will continue to sprout in the frige!
pumpkin seeds, hulled: follow basic process, soak time is 2-4 hours, sprout time is also 2-4 hours.
buckwheat seeds, hulled: follow basic process, soak time is short, 1-2 hours, sprout time is anywhere between 8 and 24 hours
lentils: follow basic process, soak time is 7 hours. sprout for 1-2 days, rinse 2-3 times a day.
this is the most basic presentation of the sprouting process. to learn more, check
out Sally Fallon’s book, Nourishing Traditions or send us an email!